# Verizon Plans to End Copper Landlines by 2026

> Verizon aims to end copper landlines by 2026, sparking concerns about rural service gaps.
- Title: Verizon Plans to End Copper Landlines by 2026 · PCMAG
- Summary: Verizon aims to end copper landlines by 2026, sparking concerns about rural service gaps. Rural areas without fiber or cell service risk losing landlines by…
- Keywords: verizon, copper landlines, federal communications commission, technology, Plans, End, Copper, Landlines, 2026, PCMAG
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/verizon-moves-to-retire-copper-landlines-across-us-sparking-concerns
- Author: Michael Kan
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:38:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: verizon, copper landlines, federal communications commission, technology
## Verizon's copper plan
Verizon applied to the FCC to retire copper landlines across 18 US states by 2026.
## Current landline usage
Copper networks serve 12 million locations but only 277,000 residential and business lines remain in use.
## Rural service concerns
Residents in remote areas without cell service or fiber face losing landlines by 2026.
## FCC approval timeline
Verizon's FCC application will be automatically approved on September 26, 2026, unless notified otherwise.
## Alternative service plans
Verizon will offer wireless phone service to customers without fiber networks during the transition.
## Consumer complaints
Some rural residents worry wireless alternatives won't work during power outages or storms.
## Local government concerns
Virginia's Augusta County says medical alert systems and fax machines may not work with new services.
## Real-world impact
A Virginia resident wrote they rely on landlines during power outages and storms for emergency contact.
## Key takeaway

Rural areas without fiber or cell service risk losing landlines by 2026.